Wates Living Space has started work on the £18 million site of the former Guest Hospital on Tipton Road in Dudley, where it is set to build 157 new homes in partnership with the Homes & Communities Agency (HCA).

Wates Living Space will create a combination of 127 new build homes and 30 refurbished properties, including restoration of the locally listed former porter’s lodge, which sits on the site and is under ownership of the HCA.

Designed by architect, Armstrong Burton, 118 homes will be sold on the open market and 39 will be available for rent through Dudley MBC, following completion in summer 2019.

In an effort to positively impact the area Wates Living Space has committed to employing local suppliers and contractors on the project whilst also creating employment and training opportunities for local people.

Cllr Gaye Partridge, cabinet member for housing at Dudley Council, said: “This is an extremely welcome and exciting regeneration project. It will enable the provision of more affordable housing for our residents and bring an historic building back into use offering luxury apartments.

“This development compliments the regeneration of the area offering a significant economic and social boost to the local community.”